RNC Blog

Greetings from St. Paul!

Happy Birthday to my dad Bill who is with me in the Twin Cities. Not telling his age but email him at bsaxman@shenspring.com and wish him many more. Good man and a great dad. He still is not proficient with chop sticks but LOVES sushi and sashimi – yes, we found a great place near the hotel – been twice.

Brief but succinct.

Minnesotans are incredibly friendly and gracious hosts.

Security is tight.

Protesters? Well, you got to love when anarchists are screaming about their rights as they are being arrested. Dad’s take was hilarious but not for public consumption.

Very well organized overall. Powerful appeal to help the Gustav victims made by Cindy McCain and Laura Bush.

Mrs. Bush is beloved by the GOPers. Cindy McCain is as well. Mrs. McCain, Roberta – Senator’s mom (96) – attended the whole session yesterday as well. We should all look that good and be that sharp at 96.

The convention delegates were very involved with Gustav yesterday. As I was checking my email about 3pm Monday, a lady from Baton Rouge sat down to the laptop next to me and was nervously trying to log on with a toolbar problem and she was crying. Naturally, I asked if I could help and she said, “I am trying to get in touch my girls,” showing me a picture. I said, “I’m sure they miss you too, where do you live?” With her lip quivering, she replied “Baton Rouge”. “Oh.” I tried to reassure her that her girls were fine and she was thankful but that encounter will always stay with me as a memory of this convention.

On to happier notes…one never gets over seeing famous celebs or media stars or politicians…quick run down on who I have been able to see and meet.

Seen – Wendy Malik actress. Mitt Romney. Rudy Giuliani (five min ago) Sen. Kit Bond. KC and the Sunshine Band (a proud Republican). former Sec of Veterans and Ambassador to Vatican Jim Nicholson.
Kelly Anne Conway who spoke at breakfast today – great talk, very funny! The McCain family.

I’ve met The Beach Boys -super nice guys – It was awesome to be able to go back stage before the show and hang out. Bruce (last name help here) wrote the Manilow song “I Write the Songs….” originially as a hymn. Who knew? Then out of their room popped Bill O’Reilly! Tall. Man. 6’8″ at least. Got individual pics with all. Then met Pat Boone this morning. Dad told me just how popular he was back in the day. #1 show when everyone watched the show. Everyone.

So, that’s my initial take on the convention itself. No real politics so far, just a snap shot of the first 24.

The Virginia delegation is stage right (to the left on TV) and about a 45 degree angle from podium, about 20 yards away.

Tonight Laura Bush then the President via satellite, Orson Swindle, Fred Thompson and Joe Lieberman.

heading to the floor now, will not be able to respond to questions so email me at saxman8091@tmail.com

Hope you are well!

Chris

Category: Catch-All